About Spokenforks

Spokenforks aims to be an insightful blog for those wishing to gain a firmer grasp on the world of racing; doing so without swamping readers with history and terminology. Currently focusing upon the previewing and analysis of major races, Spokenforks is soon to expand with interviews from domestic and international riders – as well as live reports from the roadside. If you have any questions about the sport, from race winning strategy to what the riders have for breakfast – please get in touch. The more feedback received, the greater Spokenforks can be tailored towards your tastes as they become clearer. Spreading Spokenforks through sharing the site goes to attract further attention; helping secure press passes and exclusive interviews with top names at major races – Thank you.
For further information, please contact Spokenforks at – editor@spokenforks.com

Purchase Spokenforks Official Kit

Summer 2015 sees the release of the first limited edition run of official Spokenforks apparel; the result of a collaboration with professional kit manufacturer Kalas. Available in both Men’s and Women’s cuts, the jersey is constructed from fabric which utilises carbon fibre to create a more lightweight and aerodynamic surface. With elongated sleeves and mesh panelling in key areas, Kalas ensures comfort and performance is guaranteed whenever working hard on the bike. Other features included on the limited edition jersey are a three-compartment rear pocket, full length concealed zipper providing continuity of design and an inner removable water-proof pocket to keep your valuables safe.
For more information regarding the Spokenforks kit, including how to order yours, please click on the sidebar to the left.

Independent Cycling Race Previews

Stage 10 Preview

Returning to the fray after a day off, this year’s Giro d’Italia offers up another opportunity for the breakaway to succeed, as the race heads from Penne to Gualdo Tadino. Totalling 239km, this is the longest day in the saddle for the riders at 2018’s edition, but should prove relatively manageable for those outside of the breakaway battle royale. Starting immediately with a tough Category 2 ascent, the contest to make the day’s cut is going to be a fierce affair, as it is unlikely the bunch will wish to work hard to reel back the morning’s move once it is away. The finish itself is somewhat rolling and technically demanding, though never becomes steep enough to truly favour the talents of pure puncheurs nor those with a strong uphill sprint. As with any lottery, on Stage 10 at this year’s Giro d’Italia, you have to be in it to win it.

Contenders:

Diego Ulissi now looks to be peaking well as the race enters its second week and will not wish to let such good form go unrewarded. A strong enough climber to follow the decisive moves early on, the Italian will be extremely confident of beating most of his likely fellow escapees in a sprint to the line, especially as the stage does not offer many clear opportunities for a rider to splinter from the beak in the final 40km. The only negative for Ulissi is that the day’s potential sprint finish is not contested at a noteworthy gradient, as he is often unmatchable when striking out for the win uphill.

Gianluca Brambilla may now be approaching the level of form which has previously delivered him grand tour stage victories and will look upon the difficult start to Stage 10 eagerly. A competent breakaway rider who climbs strongly and packs a competitive turn of speed, Brambilla is certainly a contender whom many others will wish to shake loose late in the day.

Giovanni Visconti is somewhat of a specialist when these long grand tour stages appear on the route, though is likely to have preferred a greater number of serious climbs to really make his rivals suffer on the day. Anticipated to be one of the instigators who helps to shape the breakaway, he knows how to survive such a stage in as best condition as possible and may prove to be one of the few strong enough to go solo during the latter half of the day if able.

Fausto Masnada and Natnael Berhane could both be enticed into action on Stage 10, knowing that a decent performance could deliver them some time in the King of the Mountains jersey, regardless of whether either seriously contests the day’s outcome.